Texas bill authorizes Class III gaming for three tribes in state

Tuesday, April 9, 2013  

A bill that was introduced in the Texas Legislature authorizes casinos for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, the Tigua Tribe and the Kickapoo Tribe.

Senate Joint Resolution 6 creates a gaming commission that will award licenses for up to 21 gaming facilities across the state. Included are casinos for the three tribes.

The tribes would be able to enter into Class III gaming compacts with the state. The bill envisions revenue sharing.

Currently, only the Kickapoo Tribe engages in gaming. The tribe operates a Class II facility on its reservation.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and the Tigua Tribe operated casinos that were deemed illegal by the courts. A provision in the laws that restored the tribes to federal recognition bars gaming.

If lawmakers approve Senate Joint Resolution 6, it would go before voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.

Get the Story:
Texas gaming bill would OK casino for Tiguas (The El Paso Times 4/9)
Bill betting on voters to take a gamble (The San Antonio Express 4/9)

Editorial: Restore gaming rights of Alabama-Coushatta Tribe (4/5)